"It was truly an amazing sight to see so many people 'come alive'… Julie gave the staff concrete ideas on how to motivate themselves, how to see the bright side of life and ways to maintain that motivation…"
---Joanne Brody, Program Coordinator, Mulberry Child Care
"We send you our sincerest thanks for bringing new energy to our preschool… Your ideas opened new doors for us to explore and helped us to become more self-confident. The Carousel staff was truly grateful to have you return for a second year…"
---Phyllis A. Regan, Director, The Carousel School
"I have been program director here for more than 13 years and during that time, we have had several different presentations on communicating and communication tools. None, however, has been as successful as yours. For the first time, I felt the entire staff ended the evening truly committed to working together as a team… Your programs are so valuable because, in a relatively short period of time you pack in a great number of solutions. You help us to keep the focus positive and concentrate on results."
---Sherry Ward, Director, Carlisle Extended Day Program
"Your program, Break The Gossip Chain, treated a difficult and sensitive subject in an honest and upbeat manner. My staff was challenged to think about their individual role in perpetuating the gossip chain. They came away from the workshop with a renewed awareness and desire to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Your treatment of the subject allowed us to appreciate the overall impact of gossip without making us feel chastised or uncomfortable. Who would of thought a workshop on gossip and its negative effects could be so enjoyable! We look forward to a continued association with you."
---Susan Mello, Program Director, Noah's Ark Child Care Center
"The entire Dimock Head Start team joins me in thanking you for the superb workshop on Building Constructive Communication Patterns… This workshop has really opened our eyes and ears to several different ways of communicating positively with each other. Staff left the room feeling motivated, smiling; laughing with each other inspired by your warmth, which you generated in the room, was engaging and generous. As a speaker you were knowledgeable and your presentation was both sensational and sincere. The workshop was very valuable for our team because everything you said were about issues that our staff was dealing with… You provided us with many concrete ideas that we can implement immediately. We would definitely recommend your program to other organizations because of your content, style and valuable personal sharing. You are really one of a kind…"
---Yvonne Achilles, Program Director, Dimock Community Health Center
"I am writing to let you know that the two day seminar on Supervision which you conducted for us more than met my expectations. My team of Program Coordinators gained a great deal of information that will be helpful to them in the supervision of their teams…I feel that the enthusiasm they witnessed with you renewed an enthusiasm for them as leaders in our organization. I was most impressed with the packet of materials we used throughout the two day seminar. I know these notes will not go into a drawer, as often happens with conference notes. These are tools we will use daily as we reflect back on the techniques and strategies we learned. I personally have a renewed enthusiasm for my own position as Director and feel positive and confident with the vision I have for the future of our Center. Thank you again for a very successful event. I look forward to having you come back to ECYC to conduct workshops for other members of our staff."
---Nancy M. Kalvin, Executive Director, ECYC, Inc.
"Thank you so much for the dynamic presentation you gave to our staff at the University of Houston Child Care Center. The program was so inspiring and upbeat that our staff is still talking about the fun we had. The commitment we made to communicate constructively will greatly contribute to our future as a 'top notch child care center;' we are rejuvenated, united and focused."
---Sherry Howard, Director, University of Houston Child Care Center
"Thank you for the great team-motivating program that you presented for our staff last week. What a great way to start the year. As we have staff located at seven sites, with different levels of experience and positions, this was a very unifying experience. The interactive motivating exercises contributed to making the day a fun and meaningful experience for everyone. Prior to the presentation, your preparation with the administrative staff ensured that areas of concern were addressed. I would recommend your program to any organization wanting to motivate and energize staff and address issues in a positive way. We look forward to working with you in the future."
---Ellen Fagerburg, Executive Director, Wesley Child Care Center
"The daylong retreat was such an inspiration as well as being packed with practical, useful advice. Even before the day ended directors were commenting that this was 'just what we have been needing'."
---Mary Ellen Lamb, Quality Enhancement Specialist
"The general 'buzz' of the group was that this was 'the best presentation of the day'… Your presentation style was engaging, uplifting, and motivating… You possess the unique ability to present a somewhat challenging topic of effective communication, which includes the destructive component of gossip, in a way in which each individual could reflect upon him/herself for the better of the center and the children… They left the in-service training more positive, energized and motivated to create a positive working environment."
---Michelle Meace, Regional Manager, Apple Tree Children's Centers
"I would like to thank you again for all that you've done for us! The whole atmosphere here has changed in a major positive way. Staff are still saying many positive things about you as a person and your workshop teaching techniques."
---Amy St. Louis, Assistant Administrator, Building Blocks
"On behalf of one hundred and twenty-five facility members, I would like to thank you again for the outstanding presentations you gave at our annual fall professional development event in October. One month later I continue to take delight in seeing and hearing the effects of your program as I visit the different campuses of our early care and education centers…I must tell you how impressed I was with your ability to so quickly get to know and understand our site directors and their individual strengths, talents, and areas in which they felt a need for additional support… The two presentations you gave at The Learning Circle were indeed positive, productive and dynamic themselves, and left us feeling the same way about our re-energized management styles…"
---Antonette Franklin, Director of Education, The Learning Circle
"On behalf of the Rhode Island Child Care Support Network I would like to thank you for the excellent all day motivational workshop…The audience was fully engaged through the use of first-rate inclusion skills while at the same time learning new information and skills. The audience was both comfortable and involved in the entire program… I am eager to plan another presentation…"
---Francis A. Donahue, Director, Trudeau Child Care Support Network
"Thank you so much for doing a terrific workshop, 'Love Your Job and Live Longer...' The workshop focused on the communication skills that are so critical for maintaining healthy staff relationships and making work life better. Staff came out of the workshop with a list - THEIR list - of behaviors that are constructive, behaviors that are destructive, and specific strategies for making the work environment better. Your workshop was upbeat and positive. You are an effective workshop leader; you paid attention to people's reactions but still moved the material ahead. You won over a group of teachers who were prepared to sit back without participating. Your skill, energy and enthusiasm got them involved, and happily so. You created an atmosphere that made it safe to talk about problems in the work environment, showed them strategies for resolving them without confrontation, and that said, 'you can do this, too'."
---Joyce Hollman, Director, CCL
"Thank you so much for the most enriching day last Friday. I was so impressed by you, your knowledge and amazing enthusiasm for the work you do."
---Pat Rackliffe, Director, Weston Cooperative
"We were very impressed with what Julie had to share…She gave us practical, concrete ideas to go back and implement with our employees that would help build staff morale and improve communication. She included hands on activities that helped to model how to implement the strategies she was sharing. We left the workshop feeling very motivated… I would highly recommend Julie's services. She is quick to respond to questions and to give feedback or suggestions. She is very solution focused and really works hard to bring about change."
---Heidi Unger Carney, Next Generation
"Inspirational, enlightening, amazing!!! I began to feel drained and tired. I also felt like I was the only one feeling this way. Julie made me realize I wasn't alone and I can make a fresh start and a more positive beginning."
---Pre-K Teacher
"Wonderful! I'm going to eliminate gossip -- I now know that it tears away at my self-confidence."
---Director, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
"I thought you were wonderful! So positive and upbeat. You truly inspired me to be all that I can be!… As 'Oprah' would say -- 'You go girl!' Keep up the good work."
---Joan Billard, Director, Little Kids
"It filled me up and rejuvenated me! I wish you could have spoken longer Julie!"
---Colleen Ryan, Director, A Place To Grow
"Your keynote was not only invigorating and positive, it served as a springboard for the rest of the day. The presentation gave our staff a positive focus not only for the Professional Development Day, but for going forward into their classrooms… Thank you for helping 'take care' of our staff."
---Patti Nurse, Administrative Director of Operations, Mulberry Child Care Centers, Inc.
"The presentation was awesome. I left ready to challenge my employees…"
---Lisa Brettmann, Director, Aunt Nancy's, Inc.
"Excellent! The ideas gained will be helpful in re-focusing on what is important and in setting new goals!"
---Laurie Serra, Head Teacher, Green Tree
"Our directors have greatly benefited from the individual coaching and management techniques that you have shared with them. The entire management team of A Place to Grow has been empowered by your feedback, training and support. Thank you for listening, coaching, and for offering workshops that were designed to meet our unique needs. Your personal touch is what makes a relationship with you so powerful."
---Suzanne Foley, President, A Place to Grow
"From the moment I met you until you said your good-byes I was touched… We loved your teaching style… The two hours were joyful, invigorating, and truly inspiring. We look forward to your returning… "
---Phyllis Regan, Director, The Carousel School
"Your poise and presentation were excellent… Staff comments were excellent and the presentation greatly received. I would personally recommend that your message and presentation are most worthwhile for any group."
---Ed Connolly, Superintendent of Schools, Jay, Maine
"Through the team effort of your workshop and my staff's efforts we are working at continuing to maintain a more positive and productive atmosphere. I was very happy with your workshop and the outcome of it. My staff's response was a positive one and I would like to extend my thanks to you for a job well done."
---Kathy Zanella, Director, The Kiddie Lodge
"The presentation was excellent. It was very upbeat; I got some great ideas that I know will work!"
---Jeff Price, Assistant Director, Greater Visions Children's Center
"I felt the program will be very helpful in my everyday dealings at the center. There were many usable ideas that I could bring back to my center."
---Karyn Babineau, Administrative Director, Leaps and Bounds
"I got a lot of feedback from Julie. She actually motivated me to be a better motivator."
---Sharon Sheehan, Preschool Teacher, Leaps and Bounds
"Great ideas, very positive -- I can't wait to use them."
---Denise Gagne, Lead Teacher, Discovery Child Enrichment Center
"Excellent. Great material presented in a timely fashion while participants still felt part of the process."
---Sherry Ward, Director, Carlisle Extended Day
"It was wonderful. Julie had some great ideas to keep the staff motivated."
---Shelly Vetter, Assistant Director, Discovery Child Enrichment Center
"I thought it was greatly motivational and I want to start using all of the ideas right away."
---Ann Marie Boucher, 4th -- 6th Grade Coordinator
"Very informative, inspiring, thought provoking."
---Carolyn Killian, Director and Owner, First Impressions Learning Center
"Thank you for your energetic presentation at our annual In-Service Day. As I told you that day, you received high marks from the teaching staff for both content and delivery of your talk…"
---Don Anderson, Executive Director, The Kid's Place, Inc.
"Your contribution to our conference is immeasurable. Our teachers mentioned you throughout the day and asked me several times 'Can we have her speak again?'… Your strategies for increasing work performance and personal enrichment were enlightening and practical. Your presentation was exciting, motivational, and well prepared. I look forward to working with you next year."
---Suzanne Foley President, A Place To Grow
